Austrian Embassy in Damascus presents a collection of books in German to Damascus University

Damascus University Rector, Prof. Dr. Mohamed Osama Al-Jabban, met with the Head of the Austrian Diplomatic Mission in Damascus, Mr. Peter Krois. During the meeting, a collection of books in German in various fields of science and literature were presented as a gift to Damascus University.

This collection of books represents the first instalment of the gift provided by the Austrian side within the framework of closer mutual relations between the two sides, and the gift will be deposited in the German Department Library of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities to be accessible to university students.

The Head of the Austrian Mission, Dr. Peter Krois, stated that the initiative is a window for enhancing cooperation and cultural exchange between the two countries, explaining that the collection of books in the field of contemporary literature highlight the aspects of life in Austria and its history, and would thus open up prospects for students to learn about Austrian culture.

Damascus University Rector, Prof. Al-Jabban confirmed that the collection of books donated by the Embassy falls within the framework of academic cooperation with Austrian universities. He emphasized the desire of both sides to take their cooperation to advanced stages to include scientific programmes, He also noted that books establish the basis for knowledge, and enable students to participate in advanced scientific programs to achieve academic results, He also noted the need to strengthen scientific cooperation and build bridges of friendship between the two countries.

The Vice-Chancellor of Damascus University for Scientific Research and Postgraduate Studies Prof. Dr. Mohammed Faras Al-Henawi said that the University is working to strengthen cooperation relations between the two friendly countries through scholarships, visits of professors and exchange of research between the two sides, considering the initiative a window to acquaint students and researchers with Austrian culture.

Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities noted that the Faculty received more than 400 books in the first instalment, which reinforces the scientific position of the German Department in the Faculty. He expressed his hope of developing the initiative to exchange research and professors, providing academic staff qualifying teaching board members, and holding joint workshops to strengthen the Department.

The meeting was attended by the Director of International Relations at the University and the Head of German Department at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities.